This was the first time people outside of Aston Martin’s Gaydon studios have seen the production Rapide, and the result remains impressively faithful to the concept seen at Detroit in 2006. The Rapide concept was Marek Reichmann’s first Aston design and was a fundamental part of the deal to lure him away from Lincoln. Although based on the DB9 with a 70mm stretch to the wheelbase, it doesn’t actually share any exterior panels with its sibling despite first appearances. It’s slightly more glitzy, with a little more brightwork but that totally fits for its target markets in Dubai and Shanghai.
Its key asset is that it’s the only four-door limousine derived directly from a supercar and that gives it a unique balance of drama and elegance. The drama is provided by the proportions and frameless doors that open slightly uphill; the elegance is within the surfaces and details. Sure, for rear passengers, access is tight and once inside, there’s a very high beltline – but it’s still a practical proposition for a businessman and there’s a useful trunk that can be divided by a neat flip-up shield.
The dark blue and ivory interior on the showcar showed some exquisite detailing: note the unusual magnetic grab handles on the B-pillar and the milled aluminium phone holder.
Reaction to the car seemed overwhelmingly positive. Some observers made comparisons to the Panamera, although the similarities are misplaced: at €180,000, it’s nearly twice the price of the Porsche and a far more exclusive offering. Talking to CEO Ulrich Bez, he revealed the Rapide is becoming a very significant model in Aston Martin’s plans now: the production projections have been ramped up to around 2000 units/year, which is far higher than the original target of 600 units/year. Production will be outsourced to Magna in Austria.
